PhD Researcher
Robyn Murdoch@uwe.ac.uk
Research interests: Community-led conservation; eRNA; Genetic monitoring tools for conservation.
I started my PhD in aquatic conservation in April 2023 working with Dr Mark Steer, Dr Michael Ladomery and Dr Laura Weldon. Prior to starting my PhD I have worked for a number of years as a research laboratory technician at the University of Cambridge. I undertook an international MSc in Marine Biological Resources with my thesis focusing on studying the effects of climate change on the behaviour and physiology of the two-spotted goby.
My current research focuses on using eRNA from aquatic samples to create a non-invasive method of genetic data collection for the critically endangered European eel. This is building upon previous knowledge gained using eDNA with a more in depth look at eel physiology.
Publications
Lopes, A.F., Murdoch, R., Martins-Cardoso, S., Madeira, C., Costa, P.M., Félix, A.S., Oliveira, R.F., Bandarra, N.M., Vinagre, C., Lopes, A.R. and Gonçalves, E.J., 2022. Differential Effects of Food Restriction and Warming in the Two-Spotted Goby: Impaired Reproductive Performance and Stressed Offspring. Fishes, 7(4), p.194.
Swindells, K.L., Murdoch, R.J., Bazen, W.D., Harman, N.W. and Unsworth, R.K., 2017. Habitat configuration alters herbivory across the tropical seascape. Frontiers in Marine Science, 4, p.48